Page 61 - Corvallis, OR Historic Preservation Plan

Historic Preservation Plan

Figures 14 and 15 provide a starting point to understanding the relative
distribution of historic structures in Corvallis by building age. Building 'MuwL
age is presented in segments that somewhat reflect historic theme vi>
categories noted in the Historic Overview, beginning with the earliest
date of construction. While data on some of the earliest structures is 5
not available, the 10,923 records in the City’s GIS system provide a fairly i
representative sample of the existing structures in the community.

General Observations about Residential
and Non-Residential Building Age

Distribution

Early Properties May Have a High Level of Significance
Five structures survive from the Euro-American Settlement and Early
Growth years (1811-1879) and 60 structures survive from the Railroad
years (1880-1899) of Corvallis development. Combined, these total
0.595% of the city’s buildings, which indicates their rarity and that it is
vital to preserve them.

About One-third of Existing Properties Have Structures Over 50
Years Old
Approximately one-third (30%) of existing properties in Corvallis are
more than 50 years old. Although age alone does not convey historic
significance, it does provide an example of properties that may be
found to have historic significance. This suggests that a substantial
portion of the city’s structures could have historic significance and that
future surveys may identify more of them.

In other cases, it may indicate that groups of buildings from these time
periods are in areas that could be eligible to be historic districts. A
character-based analysis, which would identify important themes or
stories that connect a group of historic properties, in those places may
yield more information.

These numbers are also relevant to sustainability planning in the
city. Of the large number of structures in Corvallis that are over 50
years old, many were built with durable materials and in ways that
are likely to be adaptable to energy conservation initiatives. Retaining
these structures will be important to support sustainability goals and
programs.

Final: November 15, 2017 55